Exploring goals-based investing

Goals-based investing (sometimes referred to as objectives-based investing) is a method of allocating investment assets that target a certain investment return to achieve a certain outcome, e.g. retirement or a house purchase. Rather than just attempting to achieve the highest possible return for a given level of risk.

Jane and David Smith’s financial goal is to have a comfortable lifestyle in retirement, ASFA’s Retirement Standard has found this equates to a required income of $59,619 per annum. According to ASFA, a couple looking to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in retirement will need approximately $640,000 in retirement savings to reach this income requirement (assuming eligibility for a partial Age Pension). Jane and David’s financial adviser takes this into account and also reviews their current assets and liabilities, capacity to save, the timeframe in which to achieve the goal and risk tolerance.

After having a good understanding of Jane and David’s circumstances, their financial adviser now understands the possible outcomes in relation to achieving their goals. The three possible outcomes are:

We can easily achieve this goal,

We have to take on more risk to achieve this goal, or,

We can’t meet this goal.

If the goal is achievable within an acceptable level of risk, their financial adviser can build an investment portfolio with targeted investment returns that aim to maximise the probability of achieving their financial goal ($640,000). However, if the goal can’t be met, either through unrealistic expectations or the need for an unacceptable level of risk, then the goal may need to be revised.

As Jane and David reach retirement and begin to enter into the pension phase of their retirement planning, consideration may be made to altering the asset mix within their investment portfolio. This may involve reducing exposure to growth assets and increasing exposure to income-producing assets. In combination with the three-bucket strategy, goals-based investing in pension phase may also see the investment portfolio broken down to account for various goals such as:

Safety. Precautionary savings

Essential. Funding for day to day living

Lifestyle. Funding for discretionary spending linked to a more active retirement

Future. Funding to create a legacy or to meet aged care and medical expenses.

Subsequently, the portfolio would be structured to support the various goals. In an extreme example, you could have separate investment portfolios to achieve each goal. However, in practice, it is more common to have one investment portfolio mix, tailored to ensure it achieves the various goals.

Why is goals-based investing an important consideration?

Achieving investment returns is important, however when you have a direct link between the investment return you require to fund the financial goal you have, it makes the desired return more meaningful. You may not have to invest in a more aggressive way than what is needed to achieve your goals. In saying that, goals can change over time, as can personal circumstances and investment markets.

It is important to note that goals-based investing doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to just your retirement planning. For example, consider how this could relate to saving for a deposit on a house. You can consider the amount you need, your current financial situation and risk tolerance, the targeted time horizon, and the possible outcomes in trying to achieve this goal. If you are unsure on the specifics of your goal (or, maybe it needs revising), here are a few helpful calculators to get you started: